Quick SOFA (qSOFA) is a new bedside tool used to determine patients who are likely to develop sepsis and prompt further investigation. This tool is intended for use in non-ICU patients.

qSOFA variables:

Respiratory rate ≥22/min

Altered mentation

SBP ≤100 mm Hg

Sepsis-3 criteria have not yet been widely accepted and are still controversial.

Although qSOFA is more specific (and less sensitive) than the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria (1)[A], there is concern that relying on the new criteria may place patients at risk for developing severe sepsis because treatment may be delayed compared to use of SIRS criteria.

SOFA score ≥2 points is more predictive of mortality from sepsis over SIRS and qSOFA in ICU patients (2)[B]; utility is lost in centers unable to obtain the required SOFA score variables.